Crystal Lake, IL May 2026

patrick.oconnor@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ patrick.oconnor

The Strength that Sustains Us

Lately, I’ve been noticing, more than ever, messages about becoming a “better” version of myself.  Subtle or not so subtle reminders of all the ways we can “improve” ourselves. Smooth this. Lift that. Wear this. Ditch that. Boost this. Balance that.  A little poke here, a little nip there.  Infrared, cold plunge, GLP-1, botox, filler… It’s constant, overwhelmingly for women.

And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to feel good in our own skin, the underlying message is hard to ignore—that somehow, if we just find the right combination of products, treatments, or routines, we’ll unlock the secret to happiness…maybe even longevity. Really??

I recently came across research on women as they age, and what stood out wasn’t about what they did to maintain themselves physically. It was about connection. The women who reported the most happiness—and the least loneliness— were the ones who had strong, consistent relationships with other women.

This rang true, regardless of relationship status—married women, single women, and those who had lost a partner. (And to be fair—women deeply value their relationships with their male counterparts, too—but female friendships are uniquely grounding.)

There’s something inherently powerful about female relationships. The kind where you can show up exactly as you are—no filter, no performance—and still feel seen and understood. The kind that holds you up when life feels heavy and celebrates you when it feels light again. Those connections take time. Presence. Vulnerability. And offer support and belonging.

In my experience, chasing the “thing” that will make me feel better about how I look (or see the world), always leads to more searching. Because in truth, being thinner, richer, or more nipped and tucked isn’t what truly fills our cup. What staves off loneliness, and the real key to contentment and joy, is connection.

In this women’s issue, we talk about aging, caring for our bodies, fueling them well, and building strength so we can continue to live fully and independently. Those things matter. They help us stay physically strong.

But a large part of aging well is also about staying connected. Nurturing the relationships that hold us up, keep us grounded, and remind us who we are.

Because in the end, strength isn’t just something we build in our bodies. It’s something we build in each other.

Warmly,

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Klaudia Burian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn, Ann Oleinik

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

PATTI NOBLE, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

inside the issue

1—2: Community members came out to support the Operation Wild Horse and their beer release at Kishwaukee Brewing. 3: Huntley Springs Resort Lifestyle Communities had fun at the Huntley Chamber Business Expo. 4: Monica O’Neill showed off her Mary Kay products at the

Chamber Business Expo. 5: Dr. Deepa Williams and her team at Unique Smiles celebrate a ribbon cutting at their new location.

Real Estate Report

2/13/2026

2/23/2026

DAVID BRADBURN

David Bradburn helps local businesses turn their stories into cinematic experiences — commercials, drone footage, and product showcases that look and feel as polished as national campaigns.

With a director’s eye and a storyteller’s heart, he brings authenticity, emotion, and high-end production to the brands that make our community thrive.

dlbradburn.com | Crystal Lake, IL

ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN OLEINIK

GENERATIONS ofCARE

Inside a mother daughter dental practice in Crystal Lake

Most people do not look forward to going to the dentist. For many, it is something to check off a list rather than an experience to enjoy, but when an appointment feels comfortable, when the environment is welcoming, and the people put you at ease, it can change the feeling entirely.

Drs. Kay and Amanda Henry have built a practice just like that in Crystal Lake. Their practice reflects both their shared history and their approach to patient care. As a mother and daughter team, their connection is evident, shaped by years of working alongside one another and a mutual respect that carries through the entire office.

Sitting down in the office with them, Amanda enters first, warm and easy in her manner. A few minutes later, her mother, Kay joins after finishing with a patient and her greeting is friendly and natural. The office itself is clean and modern, but more importantly, it feels comfortable with staff members greeting visitors with genuine smiles. It is the kind of place where people seem at ease.

Kay always knew she wanted to be a dentist. Her father was a dentist, and she remembers asking to go into the office with him as a child. Those early experiences left

a lasting impression and eventually led her to open her own practice in 2004. Amanda’s path came into focus over time. She grew up around the office and worked as a dental assistant for her mom, getting a firsthand look at the profession. Those early experiences helped shape her decision to pursue dentistry. After graduating in 2012, she joined the practice right away, stepping into a role that already felt familiar.

Working together has added a new dimension to their relationship. Kay reflects on that shift with a smile, saying, “I thought I had a lot to teach Amanda, and as it turned out, she was the one that taught me.” It is a comment that speaks to how their roles have evolved. While Kay brings decades of experience, Amanda brings a fresh perspective, and the two balance each other in a way that feels natural rather than forced.

That sense of balance extends to their team as well. The practice is made up of seven women, something that was never planned but has become an important part of the office dynamic. Both Kay and Amanda are quick to credit their staff, joking that the team manages them, not the other way around. The comment is said with a laugh, but beneath it is a real appreciation for the people who keep the practice running day to day.

“I thought I had a lot to teach Amanda, and as it turned out, she was the one that taught me.”

–Kay Henry

When asked about their specialty, Kay keeps the answer simple. For her, it comes down to taking care of people and providing the best care. Amanda agrees and adds that she has developed a particular interest in sleep apnea and the way it affects overall health. Through dental devices, the practice is able to offer an alternative to traditional CPAP machines, giving patients another option that can better fit their lives. The duo also shares a focus on continuing to grow. Both doctors speak about the importance of ongoing education, as well as the role of mentors and business coaches in shaping how they approach their work. It is clear they are intentional about not becoming stagnant, always looking for ways to improve both patient care and the overall experience in the office.

For Kay, one of the most meaningful lessons over time has been finding balance between her professional and personal life. She speaks about learning how to show up more fully in both, something that has come with experience. Even after many years in dentistry, her enthusiasm for the work remains steady. She still enjoys coming into the office and values the relationships she has built along the way. Some of her patients have been with her for more than 30 years, a fact she mentions with a sense of pride and a smile.

When asked about a proud moment, her answer comes quickly. Having Amanda join the practice stands out most. Being able to introduce her as her daughter is something she does not take for granted, and that sense of gratitude is reflected in a feature that stands out inside the office. Along one wall is what they call their “wall of fame,” a collection of photos representing the people who have supported them over the years. Mentors, family members, friends, and team members are all included. The display was a gift from Amanda to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kay opening the practice, giving them a chance to reflect on the many people who helped them along the way.

“In a field where many people feel uneasy, their practice offers something different. The space itself is inviting, but it is the people who make the difference.”

They spend time reminiscing about the people on the wall and what they have contributed along the way. When asked to describe each other their responses came easily. Kay described Amanda as conscientious, kind, dependable, loyal, and funny. Amanda described her mom as fun, energetic, kindhearted, and funny. Their responses clearly shaped by years of knowing each other both inside and outside of the office.

In a field where many people feel uneasy, their practice offers something different. The space itself is inviting, but it is the people who make the difference. There is a consistency in how patients are treated, a sense that they are known and cared for rather than simply scheduled.

Their work also reflects a broader presence of women in dentistry without making it the focus. Their practice shows how collaboration, communication, and attention to patient comfort can shape the experience in meaningful ways. And most importantly, it is clear that the practice is built on relationships, between mother and daughter, among their team, and with the patients they have cared for over the years.

STRONG FOR LIFE

Moving beyond weight and size to build strength through perimenopause and beyond

ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR

For many women, midlife brings a quiet shift in the body— one that becomes harder to ignore over time. Yet for years, we’ve been told this stage is a kind of “crisis” to manage or fight, shaping how we feel, see, and think about ourselves in the process.

We notice things feel different. Strength isn’t what it used to be. Energy comes and goes. Recovery takes longer. And underneath it all, there’s a quiet awareness that our bodies are changing in ways we don’t fully understand.

These changes—especially during peri- and post-menopause— are directly tied to diminishing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, leading to a loss of muscle mass and bone density. That loss can impact how we look, feel, and move through our everyday lives.

While this is a natural part of aging, they’re also the reason strength training becomes an important component to incorporate into our lifestyle.

And not just lifting for the sake of lifting—but intentional strength. Resistance training helps maintain muscle, preserve bone density, and improve balance—supporting your body for the long term.

For many women, a hesitation around lifting weights—especially heavier ones—comes down to one persistent fear: I don’t want to get bulky. But the truth is, most women simply don’t have the hormonal profile to build large, bulky muscles. In fact, lifting heavier weights with fewer repetitions tends to do the opposite—it creates a stronger, denser muscle that supports your bones, improves balance, and helps your body function better in everyday life.

Understanding this is one thing—applying it is another. This is where the conversation begins to shift. It becomes less about how the body looks and more about how it functions—how it moves, supports, and carries us through everyday life. This is where functional training comes in.

Tracy Izquierdo, owner of Pvolve Algonquin, emphasizes that how you move matters just as much as what you lift. She focuses on controlled, low-impact strength work that builds stability, supports joint health, and strengthens the deep core and pelvic floor— areas that become increasingly important during menopause.

For Denise Smith, physical therapist and owner of Smith Physical Therapy + , this way of thinking isn’t limited to one program or one type of client—it’s how she approaches every person she and her team work with. From athletes to everyday movement, the focus is rooted in building strength that supports real life.

In practice, that approach isn’t about choosing one method over another, but finding the right balance. On one hand, there’s functional movement—training the body to move well, stay stable, and support everyday life. Denise suggests exercises such as burpees which can be modified based on fitness levels, and mimic the movements needed to get oneself up from the floor, whether you got there from a fall or from playing with grandkids. Or overhead presses which build shoulder muscles that can help support you reaching for things on shelves above your head.

On the other hand, there’s a more intentional focus on building strength through adding heavier lifting, once or twice a week. In practice, that often means fewer repetitions with more intention—lifting a weight that feels challenging for about 5–8 reps, taking time to rest, and repeating that a few times, if possible. It’s a different kind of effort—less about pushing through fatigue and more about building strength that lasts.  Denise even challenges

some of her clients to lift the heaviest weight they can for only one or two reps.

The heavy lifting-functional lifting combination is purposeful. While functional training supports how the body moves, heavier lifting plays a critical role in how the body adapts. It helps stimulate then relax the nervous system, improve muscle recruitment, and place the kind of load on bones that encourages them to stay strong. For women in perimenopause and beyond, that load becomes especially important—helping to grow, maintain, or at the very least slow the loss of bone density while building strength that feels solid and lasting.

For Rose Blake, a longtime D155 high school teacher nearing retirement and owner of Get After It, LLC, a personal training business in Crystal Lake, her approach starts with a simple message: just lift something. Getting started is the key, so lifting even a light weight, is better than doing nothing.

In her private training sessions or small group classes—made up mostly of women in midlife—she encourages her clients to let go of idealism and fear, and instead focus on simply beginning. Her approach emphasizes listening—to the body, to energy levels, and to what feels sustainable. Some days that might mean heavier lifting. Other days, it’s functional movement or simply going for a walk. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.

Rose also offers guidance on how to structure strength workouts including curls, tricep extensions and presses, rows,

deadlifts, Bulgarian squats, and good old push-ups and planks. Two of her clients, Christine G., 53, and Kristin L., 51, have been training with her for years.  And both credit weight training with Get After It with Rose, for their better balance and strong bones.

The underlying principles of Rose’s approach align closely with other trainers working with women in this stage of life, including Kelly Tafoya, owner of Kelly Tafoya Training, LLC , who trains clients privately and in small groups at the Smith PT+ facility. Both Kelly, 55, and Rose, 54, are not only training women through menopause—they’re navigating this stage of life right alongside them.

That shared experience is echoed by Tracy, who is also navigating menopause herself. “The focus shifts from simply working out to building a body that is strong, resilient, and capable for the long term—supporting muscle, bone health, and overall function,” she explains.

Functional fitness training combined with lifting heavy weights in menopause preserves muscle mass and builds strength, supporting bones, balance, posture, while reducing joint pain and stiffness.

Smith Physical Therapy + brings this philosophy to life through its Women Strong program—six-week group training sessions designed for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. At the center of it all is a question Denise encourages each participant to consider: What does healthy look like to me?

There isn’t one answer—and that’s the point. Each woman comes in with her own starting place, her own goals, and her own

definition of what strength means at this stage of life. The program is designed to meet them there.

The sessions are led by Kelly Tafoya, guiding women as they build strength in a way that feels both manageable and empowering. As participant Lisa C. described, the groups are small—just six to eight women—making it far less intimidating than walking into a gym full of younger, more experienced athletes.

For Kathy G. and Sandy P., both 57 and longtime run-walkers who participate in races, strength training wasn’t part of their routines—until recently.

After battling injuries that landed her in PT, Sandy heard about the Women Strong program and decided to give it a try, inviting her friend Kathy to join.  In a short amount of time, what she learned from the class and then carried into training on her own, translated into running stronger with less pain and quicker recovery.  She attributes this to the muscle that she has built and functional training that literally carries her throughout the miles, not to mention her everyday activities.

Kathy, too, has seen a difference.  And, maybe more importantly, has gained confidence in what she can challenge herself to do.  What started as a desire to tone up her arms and fight off the “menopause middle” (a sentiment echoed by many women), has become a lifestyle.  “I am proud of myself.  I want to be able to keep being physically active into my older years.  I feel like I am building that foundation now.”

What begins as a physical goal, often evolves into something deeper a shift in how we see ourselves and what we believe we are capable of.  Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to measure our bodies by size, by weight, by how tightly we could hold onto something from the past.

But this stage of life offers a different opportunity.

A focus on strength—not just in how we look, but in how we live. To build muscle that supports us, bones that keep us steady, and confidence that carries into everyday moments we might otherwise take for granted.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are trainers like Kelly or Rose, or groups like Women Strong, who can teach and guide you to get you started.   Remember, the first step doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.

Because strength, at this stage, isn’t about becoming someone new.

It’s about supporting yourself exactly where you are—and building from there.

Join Today! Membership is for 2 Rewards, Discounts & More Save $100 in April-No Fooling! ode: CLLM100

In 1922, as prohibition swept the nation, the Crystal Lake Country Club was established At The Dole Mansion, with the Clubhouse completed in 1925.

In 1922, as prohibition swept the nation, the Crystal Lake Country Club was established At The Dole Mansion, with the Clubhouse completed in 1925.

Eliza Louise ‘Lou’ Ringling was the majority stakeholder in the country club.

Eliza Louise ‘Lou’ was the majority stakeholder in the country club.

Lou’s Lounge and the Membership Club were created as a tribute to that history. Lou was a visionary. Her legacy...Like ours... Continues today. YOU can be a part of the story!

Lou’s Lounge and the Membership Club were created as a tribute to that history. Lou was a visionary. Her legacy...Like ours... Continues today. YOU can be a of the story!

A tender guide of the best foods for a woman’s life, and all her seasons.

NOURISHMENT FOR THE SEASON

ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN - NBC-HWC

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KLAUDIA BURIAN

In the early years of a woman’s life, it is not unusual for her body to magically get everything done, and run well on a diet cola, gooey cupcakes, cold pizza, and some cheezy corn chips. Even more magical, at the end of the day, there’s still energy to spare. As the years pass however, women experience robust swings in their once regulated emotions, energy, body composition, and desires. Once that 3rd decade rolls in, then the 4th, and onward to those years north of 50, things change. And the shifts are uncomfortably palpable.

Living in the digital age of ever expanding information overload, understanding, embracing, and properly mitigating these changes has never been more nuanced. Coupling the digital noise with each woman’s unique biology, and an overwhelmed medical system, it’s no wonder women’s health is a growing need requiring robust support.

Much of the broad nutritional and physical health recommendations to date have been geared towards the similar needs of both men and women. Although the needs are similar, women’s complex hormonal cycles require more finesse. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate not just within a 24 hour circadian period, they also follow a 28-35 day infradian cycle. Even into perimenopause and menopause. There are also a variety of feedback loops in the endocrine system where one hormone depends on another to be regulated. Some of the most powerful hormones are melatonin (regulating sleep cycles), insulin (regulating blood sugar balance), T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones that regulate nearly everything, including metabolism), and even GLP-1 (a naturally occurring hormone in the gut that regulates metabolism, insulin and satiety).

The good news? This complex system is, for most women, beautifully regulated when properly nourished. One of the most powerful places to have impact, and bring some balance to this biological tilt-a-whirl, is on the plate. In recent years, there has been a palpable pivot in nutritional recommendations. Although there are nuances, the common threads are clear–organic, seasonal, locally sourced whole food, mostly plants. Minimally processed. Simple. Balanced. As nature intended.

At the helm of a tight ship is a humming and balanced blood sugar. Insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, responds to everything on the plate. Balancing fats, proteins and carbohydrates with each meal and snack helps support sustained energy, and doesn’t cause the body to slump over shortly after a meal. Spacing those bites no more than 3-4 hours apart, prevents the appetite from hijacking the system and any intention to make healthy choices.

For most women, as they reach their 3rd decade, the body's need for highly nutrient dense foods increases, while the metabolism slows a bit due to natural aging, requiring fewer calories. As women reach their 4th and 5th decade, the body’s composition shifts, protein metabolism starts to become less efficient, and

the need for highly nutrient dense foods increases even more. As metabolism slows down even more, muscle preservation requires more strength training, and even fewer calories.

This is when a lot of women lean on each other, start looking for some wisdom, and need some clear answers on how to support these changes. Women also tend to have difficulty finding time to pause long enough to effectively tune in and explore what their needs are. Putting some supports in place often ends up as an afterthought, and women often try one silver bullet promise after another, in hopes of rekindling their fire. Through a holistic lens, nourishment off the plate is essential. Routinely powerful practices like good sleep hygiene for rest and recovery, proper movement for energy and strength, time in nature, and strong fulfilling relationships are all pillars of a healthy and thriving life. Equally important is nourishment on the plate—an intentional approach to eating that supports the body through hormonal changes and helps sustain overall well-being. Food based approaches to getting the highest level of nutrition are generally viewed as safer than supplements for most people. Developing routine practices, and following general nutritional guidelines, can be supportive.

A Balanced Plate for Optimal Nutrition

Women’s nutritional needs vary based on their bio individuality; age, family history, personal medical history, and preferences. According to pioneers in integrative women’s health and nutrition, with the changes happening in the body, there are powerful nutritional interventions that can help. Filling the plate primarily with whole seasonal vegetables, adequate protein from both plant and humanely raised animal sources, and whole fresh seasonal fruits is the best start. Sprinkle in a little organic dairy, a few whole grains here and there, and ample social time for sharing a glass of wine or a square of bitter dark chocolate. Balancing the plate will balance blood sugar and keep the hormonal system from going haywire. The best way to keep blood sugar in the zone is to fill half the plate with a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables, ¼ of the plate with protein, and ¼ with high fiber whole grains. Keeping the food choices as unprocessed as possible will ensure adequate nutrients, without overloading calories. Tuning in to what feels good in the body can clearly indicate what has an impact on inflammation, mood and energy, and reveal proper support.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

CAREGIVER STRES S IS REAL

Time Is Ticking on Summer

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO

Elevated Cocktail for Brunch Beyond &

A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress

Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.

Gin & Jam

A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam

• Spoonful of jam for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.

2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.

4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.

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The Grass Really Is Greener

Experience a community where comfort, elegance, and meaningful connection come together effortlessly. With chef-prepared cuisine, attentive services, and a vibrant social calendar, every detail is designed to help you live confidently, joyfully, and on your own terms, all for one simple monthly price. No hidden costs. No long-term commitments. Just a lifestyle that delivers — experience it for yourself.

Lunch is on us—schedule your tour today! 224-393-7001

MAY 2ND - 3RD

Spring Craft Market

Crystal Lake South High School, 1200 S. McHenry Ave. | 9:00 AM

Celebrate spring at what is sure to be your new favorite craft fair!  Browse and support local artisans at this one-of-a-kind event. $4 admission/free parking.

MAY 3RD

Bob Blazier Run for the Arts - 5K Run/1M walk

Raue Center for the Arts | 8:00 AM

Lace up your shoes for a 5K run, or 1 mile walk.  Or simply show up to make your mark on our community.  This is a family-friendly way to be active and support the community while winding your way through the beautiful residential streets of Crystal Lake, $40 pre-race/$45 race day.  Registration and information at: raceroster.com/events/2026/114157/bob-blazier-run-for-the-arts-2026

MAY 3RD

Colonel Palmer House Spring Tea

660 E. Terra Cotta, Crystal Lake | 2:00 PM

Enjoy a delightful afternoon at the historic Colonel Palmer House with family and friends, featuring a delicious lunch and a“spot of tea” while discovering the history and traditions of teatime. Registration in advance required, limited spots available.  $45 resident / $59 non-resident Ages 5+  Registration and information at: crystallakeparks.org

MAY 8TH

NAMI McHenry County - Vision of Hope Gala

Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Elara Ballroom | 5:00 PM

Enjoy an elegant evening to raise awareness and funds for NAMI McHenry County, an organization providing free mental health services for residents in our community. The evening includes appetizers, dinner, cash bar, music, a silent auction, and an inspirational program celebrating the 2026 Vision of Hope awardees. Ticket prices: $75/individual  $750/table of 10. Information and tickets available at: namimch.org

MAY 25TH

Crystal Lake Memorial Day Parade

Downtown Crystal Lake | 11:00 AM

Honor our fallen heroes by attending the 2026 Memorial Day parade.  The route begins at Central High School then proceeds east on Franklin Ave., north on Williams St., and west on Woodstock St., concluding with a memorial service at Union Cemetery.

MAY 30TH

Pedalpalooza 2026

McHenry County | 10:00 AM

Bike McHenry County- and support local businesses as you eat, shop, drink along the way! Enjoy a fun day with family and friends, brought to you by Family Health Partnership Clinic, providing health care to those who are uninsured and in need! Pedalpalooza is not a race- you can start and finish anywhere, anytime at your leisure. Registration at pedalpalooza4fhpc.org